Linux Desktop Rust Engineer

5 Hours ago • All levels

Programming

Job Description

Zed is a fast, collaborative code editor built from the ground up in Rust. We're looking for a Linux Lead to make Zed a first-class experience on Linux. In this role, you’ll own our Linux build, shape what “native” means for the diversity of Linux environments, and lead the charge in delivering a polished, performant editor that feels right at home.

Good To Have:

Experience with packaging and distribution systems (Flatpak, AppImage, DEB/RPM).
Familiarity with Linux desktop environments and theming challenges.
Contributions to open-source projects in the Linux or Rust ecosystem.
Knowledge of Linux-specific CI/CD pipelines and build systems.
Prior work on Linux developer tools, IDEs, or editors.

Must Have:

Define the technical vision and quality standards for Zed on Linux.
Ensure a native-feeling experience by working directly with Linux desktop environments, conventions, and APIs.
Solve Linux-specific technical challenges in our Rust codebase.
Create robust testing infrastructure to catch regressions across Linux distributions and desktop environments.
Guide cross-platform architectural decisions with a Linux-first mindset.
Mentor teammates on Linux development best practices and ecosystem nuances.
Stay deeply involved—you'll be using Zed on Linux every day to validate and improve it.
Strong Rust experience with a systems programming background.
Daily Linux user with deep familiarity across multiple distributions.
Expertise in Linux graphics and windowing systems.
Experience building and shipping native-feeling Linux desktop applications.
Understanding of Linux UX patterns, user expectations, and toolkit diversity.
Strong technical leadership and architectural decision-making skills.
Self-directed and comfortable prioritizing independently in a fast-moving environment.
Passionate about creating high-quality Linux-native developer tools.

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team-management

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linux

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Zed is a fast, collaborative code editor built from the ground up in Rust. We're looking for a Linux Lead to make Zed a first-class experience on Linux.

In this role, you’ll own our Linux build, shape what “native” means for the diversity of Linux environments, and lead the charge in delivering a polished, performant editor that feels right at home.

Key Responsibilities

Define the technical vision and quality standards for Zed on Linux
Ensure a native-feeling experience by working directly with Linux desktop environments, conventions, and APIs
Solve Linux-specific technical challenges in our Rust codebase
Create robust testing infrastructure to catch regressions across Linux distributions and desktop environments
Guide cross-platform architectural decisions with a Linux-first mindset
Mentor teammates on Linux development best practices and ecosystem nuances
Stay deeply involved—you'll be using Zed on Linux every day to validate and improve it

Requirements

Strong Rust experience with a systems programming background
Daily Linux user with deep familiarity across multiple distributions
Expertise in Linux graphics and windowing systems
Experience building and shipping native-feeling Linux desktop applications
Understanding of Linux UX patterns, user expectations, and toolkit diversity
Strong technical leadership and architectural decision-making skills
Self-directed and comfortable prioritizing independently in a fast-moving environment
Passionate about creating high-quality Linux-native developer tools